Yang Sheng: The Art of Chinese Self-Healing

by Katie Brindle

The concept of self-care is, in fact, thousands of years old. This buzzword is rooted in a 2,500-year old Chinese philosophy. ‘Yang sheng’ means to nourish life – fostering your own health and wellbeing by nurturing body, mind and spirit.

In this book, Katie Brindle teaches readers how to harness this powerful natural healing system to improve every aspect of their life.

Yang Sheng fits and works brilliantly in modern life. Some of the techniques may seem unusual, but they are all simple, quick and effective. Even more appealing, a key principle of Chinese medicine is balance; that means not being perfect or excluding foods or having too many rules or pushing yourself to exhaustion with overwork or over-exercise. And so, Yang Sheng encourages you to have the green juice and the glass of wine, a full-on day at work and a night out dancing.

For people who are overtired and overtaxed, stressed, lacking a sex drive, or who feel anxious or hopeless, the practice of Yang sheng restores balance. Our bodies are designed to self-heal – Yang Sheng knows the mechanics of how to activate this.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Health, Psychology, Personal Development, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spirituality

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2019

Reviews

[Kathryn Way]

3.5 ⭐️

I must have highlighted over half of this book 😭

This is a nice introduction to Chinese traditions and self-healing techniques. It peaked my interest to do further research. If you’re a total newbie like me to this topic then I recommend it to gradually ease yourself into the subject.

I really enjoyed!

[Cari]

I have been looking to find something that can help me grow spiritually with simple techniques of self care that are realistic for my lifestyle. I finally found it! This is such a beautiful book ❤

[Stars bookclub]

Katie Brindle has done a very good job a giving you a basic and understandable book about yang sheng. She explains the subjects and gives the reader en couple of exercises that everybody can do. That makes this book a good addition to my shelf. All the exercises in this book are les than 1 minute and can be done at any place and time. This is the very base on how to keep the balance between yin and yang in your body but I thought it was very educational. Safe to say I will be adding a couple of these exercises to my daily schedule :)

[nana]

quick little read! i’ve always been so fascinated by chinese culture & medicine so this was really interesting! there’s definitely a few things i’ll take from this book 🧘🏻‍♀️

[Elena Kutlić]

sve ovo mi je mama vec rekla ://

[Iris_Who]

Ahh this one is difficult, somewhere between four and five stars

It is an excellent STARTING guide for those who want to know more about Taoism. I never know how to grade these things cause I feel like I graduated self help books by now. Some things I did not know before, now I do.
The concept is amazing, the book is sooo beautiful. But I felt it is more coffee table book, rather than an actual learning material (as it was advertised in my country). I am from Balkan so eating and living with the nature and the seasons is nothing new to me.

The concept of the book, again, excellent. Organisation 5 stars. Academic me appreciates it. Illustrations really help with visualisation. For somebody that never read about these things, if they pick this book, I think they would like it.

[liz ⁀➷]

Quick and easy to read with beautiful illustrations throughout as well as just a general calming and beautiful aesthetic to the book, from its colour pallet, cover and layout. A very good introduction and simple how tos.

[tripswithbooks]

Her şeyi bir kitapta verelim kaygısıyla biraz yüzeysel kalmış. Eylemin felsefesi, nedenleri göz ardı edilmiş. Ön bilgi için bile yeterli gelmedi bana bu nedenle.

[✿]

3.5/5.

[Josh]

Fairly clear look at things to do (or not do) to help one's body tend toward optimal condition. Key thoughts include gentle movement in a natural environment and moving meditations.

I enjoyed the illustrations by Naja Conrad-Hansen (a small peek inside)

Although there is a lovely table of Ideas for healing emotions and spirit (pp.134-35), the columns of suggested healing actions are the only entries I feel I understand (e.g. eat salty food).

[Angelica Mendoza]

I was very excited to read this book! But overall, it felt very glossed over, surface level and repetitive.

After half-way in and seeing how general/surface level it all was, it fell short of my expectations. It basically explain techniques you can find on the internet. I wish it could go into some science behind or historical context of some techniques or practice.

I also found the book to be repetitive, repeating the word “qiqong” in almost each section and bringing it back to the same point. The first time “qiqong” was mentioned I though okay this is interesting.

[Sven Callewaert]

Absolute beginners book on Chinese medicine. Shallow and repetitive.
Good for readers who have no idea on Chinese medicine and like to have a fancy looking book, not good for readers who already know a little about the subject.

The essence can be written in 20 pages, no need for 200.
A waste of trees from my perspective.

[Ness]

Comprehensive overview of Yang Sheng principles and TCM. Still digesting this information and thinking about how to put into practice, since there's so many little gems.

[Virginia Cornelia]

Interesting read.
Might be a good start, if you are curious about chinese medicine.
Had no idea that there is such a thing a qi gong laughter therapy. This was fun!

[Evelyne]

Very informative, brilliant 👌

[Scott]

A neighbor gave me this across the fence, I'm tempted to shred it and push it through the letterbox. Case closed. Read in 1.5 hours. Waste of energy to read it.

[Dizzy]

This is 3.5 rounded up.

I really wanted to enjoy this book, and I did; it was hard to listen to on audiobook. You needed the book to really understand the guidance given to you. When I'm driving, I'm not going to remember the four exercises best for my liver, or what tea I should be drinking in Spring, and that frustrated me the most. It was also very basic, with very little meaning behind each interesting fact - like we referenced Taoism and that was it, very brief explanations of how they tie together - it would benefit from more emotion, I think, with more understanding of why. I will definitely do more research on my own because of this book, and that's why it got more than 2 or 3 stars.

[Nastja]

Lehitsesin läbi. Hiina meditsiin ei ole lihtsalt üldse minu maitse. Hunnik platseebo-tegemisi, mis pakendet mitte eriti kaunisse vormi. Oleks siis lihtsalt taimed ja toidud ja liikumine ja hingamine jne. Aga mingid imelikud harjutused ja klassifitsikatsioonid rikuvad asja ära (imelikud mitte ses mõttes, et oioi teine kultuur ma ei saa aru!, vaid lihtsalt ebavajalik wishful thinking).

[Krissy]

An okay very simple introduction into Chinese medicine but does not explain well how to follow some of the advice

[lotte]

5 stars for the content of the book! I loved how Katie Brindle structured her work. And I also loved (!!) the practical orientation of it. Daoism and TCM can be very theoretical and complex / confusing. I think Brindle did a very good job of giving exercises and a way of practical living for all the concepts etc. On the other hand I think the explanations itself were not that good and to the point, sometimes. I understand that it is very hard to explain such "foreign" concepts and exercises simple and clearly. But even with some background knowledge I found it hard to understand some of the explanations.
My concern is that bad explanations could scare off some people who are already on the fence about such "esoteric nonsense" and let them think badly of TCM / Daoism. Which is simply not justified.
Following this I also have to mention how -while reading- I didn't like how Brindle didn't back up her (scientific) claims about TCM. Not only is this a huge pet peeve of mine but I also worried about the before mentioned concern that the book could play into the "esoteric gibberish" category (for some people and scare them off TCM / Daoism). Therefore I was very happy and relieved when I found the bibliography at the end. (But if you already have a bibliography - why not work with endnotes so the reader can easily connect which source or study backs up / belongs to which text passage?)

As I am already familiar with Daoism I personally would have loved a little bit more explanation of the theoretical backgrounds of the exercises - but I also see that I am not the typical target audience and that the theory described in the book is probably enough for the majority of readers. On the other hand, I don't quite know who the target audience is supposed to be. I have the feeling it is specifically targeted towards women (see sentences like "is your bra too tight?") and I have to admit, I don't like this. Self-care and Yang sheng are for everybody and I think the contents of the book are good for everybody.

Lastly, I am not quite sure how I like the Kindle version. I love how it worked with links and in this regard I think it probably stands out to the physical copy. But on the other hand some of the tables were really not Kindle-friendly and just not readable.

[Melissa]

Skimmed.

Borrowed from library. Trying to read every book referenced/shown in You, the netflix show. This was a book on display at Anavran.

Apparently because I'm overweight I need to eat more sour foods. I'll try to have yogurt today.

[Rachel]

Unfortunately didn’t live up to expectations. It was very basic, repetitive (each chapter referenced the same techniques) and there’s all this and much more, for free, on her Instagram page.

A missed opportunity to really share lots of knowledge and self help techniques.

[我是अle]

It's quite general but enough for have an introduction to the basics.

[Fiona]

With very large print and thick paper, this book is a basic primer on Chinese self-care and definitely a good jumping-off point for learning about TCM practices.

[Zdenek Sykora]

This book is a delightful journey into the realm of Yang Sheng, offering a comprehensive guide to nurturing holistic health through ancient Chinese wisdom and practices. Katie Brindle has crafted a beautiful resource that combines practical advice with cultural insights, making it accessible to both newcomers and those familiar with Taoism and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Book in 5 Sentences: "Yang Sheng: The Art of Chinese Self-Healing" introduces readers to the principles of Yang Sheng, emphasizing the harmony of mind, body, and spirit through natural living and holistic practices rooted in TCM. Brindle guides readers through various aspects of Chinese self-care, including diet, movement (Qi Gong), meditation, and herbal remedies, all aimed at enhancing vitality and longevity.

The Seven Big Ideas:

1. Yang Sheng Philosophy: Embracing a lifestyle that nurtures health and well-being through daily practices.
2. Integration of Mind and Body: How mental and emotional states impact physical health according to TCM.
3. Qi Gong and Movement: Gentle exercises and movements to promote Qi flow and vitality.
4. Herbal Remedies: The use of herbs and plants to support healing and balance.
5. Seasonal Living: Aligning daily routines with the natural rhythms of the seasons for optimal health.
6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to cultivate inner peace and clarity.
7. Cultural Context: Understanding the historical and philosophical foundations of Yang Sheng within Chinese culture.

Summary: "Yang Sheng: The Art of Chinese Self-Healing" by Katie Brindle is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the holistic principles of Chinese medicine and self-care. While some readers may find the book leans towards being more of a coffee table piece due to its aesthetic appeal and introductory nature, its organization and visual aids make it highly accessible. Brindle's insights into Yang Sheng philosophy, coupled with practical tips on herbal remedies, Qi Gong exercises, and seasonal living, provide a solid foundation for incorporating these ancient practices into modern life.
Despite occasional criticisms about wishful thinking and cultural classifications, the book succeeds in presenting Yang Sheng as a viable approach to holistic health and longevity. Brindle's expertise shines through, offering readers a comprehensive guide that encourages exploration and application of these timeless principles.

The Seven Big Ideas at the end of the book:

1. Embrace a lifestyle of Yang Sheng for holistic health.
2. Integrate mind and body through TCM principles.
3. Practice Qi Gong and gentle movement for vitality.
4. Utilize herbal remedies to support healing.
5. Align daily routines with the seasons for optimal well-being.
6. Cultivate mindfulness and meditation for inner peace.
7. Understand the cultural context of Yang Sheng in Chinese tradition.

Overall, "Yang Sheng: The Art of Chinese Self-Healing" is a recommended read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of traditional Chinese medicine and enhance their overall health through natural practices.

[Ben]

Prior to reading this I didn't have any real engagement with traditional Chinese medicine, so I came into it with some biases around quackery, old wives tales, things like that. I did my best to keep an open mind. I was able to see some wisdom in Yang Sheng - specifically the wisdom of living in balance, taking care of yourself and while taking into account the seasons, and things like that.

Where it was hard to embrace fully was the notion of qi and the importance of practices like qigong, tapping, and gua sha. Can such practices be beneficial? Yes, but other cultures survive without these specific practices - so maybe these practices fundamentally help with flexibility and circulation and don't need a special, unmeasurable thing like qi to explain how and why they work.

Anyway, that's not to say that there aren't things we don't understand or are unable to quantify and measure today that we will someday be able to measure. What I mean to say is that alarms go off in my head when handwavy arguments about lymph and qi are made, much like how "quantum" concepts get thrown together with lots of pseudoscience to give an air of authenticity.

[Satyajit Shukre]

I truly enjoyed reading Katie Brindle’s "Yang Sheng: The Art of Chinese Self-Healing". It is a readable and concise guide filled with practical tips on how to live a long and healthy life. It covers topics such as breath, sleep, exercise, digestion, emotions, skin care and spiritual health.

While the book does not go deep into any of the practices, it introduces basic traditional Chinese wellness practices. Through these, it encourages the reader to create a daily self-care routine, made of small manageable habits, like brushing one's teeth, which when practiced regularly, can work wonders for the body.

Some of the wellness techniques include combing, Gua Sha, basic Qigong, breath rituals, emotional cleansing techniques and the Six Healing Sounds. There is also a section on navigating various emotional states and seasonal eating.

"A drop of prevention is better than a bucket load of cure" and "Waiting to treat illnesses after they manifest is like waiting to dig a well after one is thirsty" are two beautiful quotes that feel especially relevant in today’s world.

[Ines Zemunik]

I love this book! Brindle invites readers to view self-care not as a burden, but as a natural, holistic way to support body, mind, and spirit.
What I loved most is how practical and accessible the book feels. It’s full of simple rituals, breathing exercises, gentle movement ideas and lifestyle tips that you can actually try day-to-day without feeling overwhelmed. Even though it’s rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, the guidance never feels too mystical or distant — it’s grounded, relatable, and easy to follow.
Some readers might wish for deeper explanations or more scientific backing, and at times the content can feel introductory rather than in-depth. But for anyone curious about holistic self-healing and balanced living, this book is a beautifully presented starting point.
Overall, a peaceful, inspiring read that nudged me to slow down, breathe more consciously and pay attention to how I nourish my life. Great easy read.

[Christos]

I don't know much about Chinese medicine. I am a firm believer of science, though I do respect the wisdom of the collective that has been passed on from generation to generation. So I am always curious and open to read about this stuff. When I saw this on a friend's bookshelf I thought, I might as well. Why not.

This book manages to oversimplify practices that have been around for thousands of years (practices followed by different groups of people with different cultural backgrounds interestingly enough) to an extent that makes the reader feel stupid. Sure, the author thought, why not re-imagine whole practices and rituals that have been around for hundreds of years, take time, effort and expertise to learn and make them into one minute exercises for simple minded westerners who are always excited with Eastern mystical stuff? Chaching.

With all due respect to the author (and Chinese medicine), go for something perhaps less colourful but more substantive.

[Souad Belaini]

"Yang Sheng : La Fabuleuse Méthode Ancestrale d'Autoguérison Chinoise" par Katie Brindle est un ouvrage fascinant qui explore l'art de prendre soin de soi selon les principes de la médecine traditionnelle chinoise. Ce livre, magnifiquement illustré et plein de sagesse, offre des conseils pratiques et accessibles pour améliorer son bien-être quotidien. En s'appuyant sur des techniques ancestrales comme le Qi Gong, l'auto-massage, et des routines pour harmoniser les énergies, l'auteure guide le lecteur vers un mode de vie équilibré et sain. Parfait pour ceux qui cherchent à intégrer des pratiques de santé naturelles dans leur quotidien, cet ouvrage est à la fois informatif et inspirant.